Governance Decline and Public Perception: Africa's Challenge

Nearly half of Africa's citizens live in countries where governance has worsened over the past decade, driven by deteriorating security, according to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. Despite improvements in 33 countries, governance in 21 countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, has seen significant decline, leading to public dissatisfaction and potential unrest.

In recent findings, nearly half of Africa's citizens are in nations experiencing governance decline over the past ten years, as security issues erode advancements. This is according to the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which highlights diminishing governance in 21 countries against a backdrop of progress in 33 others.

The report, presented by Mo Ibrahim's foundation, emphasizes that densely populated countries like Nigeria and Uganda show acute governance decline, exacerbating over the latter half of the decade. Challenges such as coups in West Africa and conflicts in Sudan contribute to instability, with poor governance fostering violence.

Positive developments in infrastructure access and women's equality span roughly 95% of Africans, yet public perceptions remain grim. Although health, education, and business metrics are improving, perceptions of economic opportunities and safety starkly decline, potentially spurring unrest, warned Ibrahim.

(With inputs from agencies.)